New opportunities for citizens and businesses, participation in the European internal market and a closer relationship with Brussels. These are the points raised by Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, in his remarks at the signing of the association agreement with San Marino and Andorra.
Šefčovič described it as a historic day, stressing that the specific characteristics of the two countries had been taken into account through adaptations and transitional periods. He pointed to a level of market access comparable to that enjoyed by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein under the European Economic Area.
“We are opening a new chapter”
“I am very pleased to take part in this occasion, because today is truly a historic day for the European Union, Andorra and San Marino. With the signing of this association agreement, we are opening a new chapter of a closer partnership.
This agreement is the result of many years of close cooperation, patient negotiations and shared ambitions. It shows what we can achieve together as partners who share the same values and who will soon be associated.
Through this ambitious association agreement, Andorra and San Marino will take part in the European Union’s internal market, and our cooperation will be strengthened across a wide range of sectors.
The specific characteristics of Andorra and San Marino have been fully taken into account through adaptations and transitional periods for the implementation of certain parts of the agreement.”
Opportunities for citizens and businesses
“This is one of the most far-reaching arrangements the European Union has offered to external partners, and it will make a real difference in people’s lives.
It will create new opportunities to study, work and live across Europe and will give businesses greater access to the EU’s internal market, with the legal certainty of common rules and a level playing field.
The level of market access envisaged will be comparable to that of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein under the European Economic Area agreement.
The agreement will also incorporate the existing customs unions and build on the monetary agreements with Andorra and San Marino. At the same time, it establishes a coherent, effective and efficient institutional framework.”
“We are sending a political signal”
“Today we are not simply signing a legal text, we are sending a political signal. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing fragmentation, our answer is not isolation, but partnership.
By bringing our economies and our societies closer together, this agreement will strengthen our collective resilience. It will bring greater stability, predictability and opportunity.
It is therefore not simply an agreement for the present: it is an investment for decades to come. Andorra and San Marino are deeply rooted in Europe, and this agreement gives new expression to that reality.”
